SH 35 
.N7 fl5 
1916 
Copy 1 



FISH PLANTING IN 
PUBLIC WATERS 



By TARLETON H. BEAN, M.S., M.D. 
State Fish Culturist 




"hoL 



STATE OF NEW YORK 

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

ALBANY 



FISH PLANTING IN 
PUBLIC WATERS 



A Guide for Stocking the Inland Waters of 
New York State with Food and Game Fish 



By 
TARLETON H. BEAN, M. S., M. D. 

State Fish Culturist 



STATE OF N.EW YORK 

CONSERVATION "COMMISSION 

DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



11 







m m 



■;V 



STATE OF NEW YORK 



CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

George D. Pratt Commissioner 

Alexander Macdonald Det>uty Commissioner 

Augustus S. Houghton Secretary 

Marshall McLean Special Deputy Attorney-General and Counsel 

DIVISION OF FISH AND GAMF 
Llewellyn Legge .' Chief Protector 



W of U7 



ALBANY 

J. B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS 

1916 



t 



FISH PLANTING IN PUBLIC WATERS 



A Guide for Stocking the Inland Waters of New York State with 

Food and Game Fish 

BY TARLETON H. BEAN, M. S., M. D. 
State Fish Gulturist 

The Value of Fish and Fishing 

While no figures are available on which to base an estimate of the value 
of both food and game fish annually taken from the waters of New York 
State, there is ample justification for believing that this would run into 
millions of dollars. The returns from licensed net fishermen alone show 
that in 191 5 5,886,03 1 pounds of fish of all kinds were taken by them from 
the waters of the State, outside of the marine district, the estimated value 
of which was $296,362.91. There are still other advantages of good fishing 
that are too tremendous to be calculated in dollars and cents. Untold 
thousands of people are attracted each year to vacation resorts on the 
lakes and streams of the State, largely by reason of the fishing afforded 
there; and the amount of health and pleasure that they derive from 
angling pursuits is infinitely more important than the mere market value 
of the fish that they catch. If it were not, however, for extensive arti- 
ficial propagation and the stocking of inland waters with the hatchery 
products, the natural supply of the State's best fish would long since have 
been brought to the point of exhaustion, and the State would have been 
deprived of one of its most important natural resources. 

Fish Propagation and Distribution in New York 

State fish culture in New York is carried on under the direction of the 
Conservation Commission. Eleven hatcheries are maintained, located at 
Bath, Bemus Point, Cold Spring Harbor, Constantia, Linlithgo, Margaret- 
ville, Mumford, Ogdensburg, Old Forge, Upper Saranac and Warrensburg. 
In 191 5 there were distributed from them 845,756,551 fry and fingerlings, 
representing about thirty species. The annual value of the hatchery 
output, computed at the prevailing market rates is upwards of $200,000. 
Nevertheless the annual cost of maintaining the hatcheries is only about 
$75,000. Thus a large financial saving is effected by the State operating 
its own hatcheries. 

The Commission supplies fish only for public waters, and not for private 
preserves or other posted property. Persons who desire to stock streams 
or lakes may obtain from the Commission blank forms containing ques- 
tions which, when properly answered, furnish a means of determining the 

l3l 




[4l 




Hatching and rearing tanks for brook trout in the Warrensburg Hatchery. 

kind and number of fish required for the waters. Applications for trout 
must be sent in before February i, and those for all other species before 
April i. Only one application will be granted for a single stream or lake, 
except in the care of large waters, and then only for planting at different 
points. Over 6000 applications were received and granted in 191 5, about 
70 fish and game associations being numbered among the applicants. 



Artificial Hatching More Efficient than Natural Propagation 

Under natural spawning conditions, eggs and young fish are exposed 
to multitudes of enemies. Freshets bring down sediment that covers up 
and smothers eggs resting upon the stream bottoms. Certain fish, includ- 
ing minnows, suckers, and sculpins, devour great quantities of eggs of 
other and more valuable species. The larger predaceous fish prey upon 
the young of practically all species. Diseases may attack fish at any 
stage of their existence, especially in polluted waters. Consequently it is 
quite safe to say that a mere fraction of one per cent of all the eggs naturally 
deposited ever become mature fish. In artificial propagation, on the other 
hand, the percentage of loss in hatching has been reduced to trifling pro- 
portions. The very high state of efficiency attained in the hatcheries 
makes this phase of fish culture profitable. 

[5] 




Jars for hatching pike perch in the Oneida Hatchery. 

Necessity of Efficiency in Planting 

It is in the highest degree desirable that this same efficiency should be 
extended to the planting methods. The Commission itself plants practi- 
cally all of its food fish, but at present direct supervision over the game 
fish practically ceases when the cans of fry or fingerlings are delivered on 
the platforms of the railway stations. In many cases the lack of special 
knowledge and experience on the part of those who transport the cans to 
the streams and do the actual planting results in great loss. Thus certain 
waters that have been stocked with thousands upon thousands of fry and 
fingerlings during a long period of years still produce, for one reason or 
another, very indifferent, if any, fishing. The planting of food fish by 
the Commission, however, is uniformly successful, indicating that proper 
attention to details will bring results. 

In order, therefore, to devise more intelligent and effective methods of 
stocking and protection, based upon thorough knowledge of the actual 
conditions obtaining in the streams and lakes, the Commission has under- 
taken an intensive investigation of the waters of the State. Some of the 
principal subjects for investigation 'are the following: the distribution and 
habitats of the fish found at present in these waters; their food habits, as 
determined by analysis of their stomach contents; the supply of natural 
food available, such as insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and aquatic 
vegetation; the spawning seasons of the various fish; their natural enemies; 

[6] 




Greenback herring for spawn are caught in pound nets at- Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario. 

stream pollution and methods of controlling it; proper open and closed 
seasons; methods of cooperation between the Commission and associations 
and individuals interested in propagating or protecting fish. It is con- 
fidently believed that this investigation will lay the foundation for a marked 
increase in the quantity, as well as for improvement in the quality, of the 
fishing in New York State. 

Pending the completion of the first season's study, and the publication 
of the detailed results and working plans, the Commission has issued the 
present bulletin, which furnishes concise information and general direc- 
tions for planting the various species of fish distributed from the State 
hatcheries. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF STOCKING 

Stream Study and Plans Essential Preliminaries 

Plans for stocking should be made during the driest part of the preced- 
ing season. Only the streams or parts of streams that have not then dried 
up or become stagnant should be considered in the plans for future plant- 
ing. Every detail regarding the adaptability of the stream or lake for the 
fish that it is desired to plant should be carefully considered. Foresight 
in this direction will save many fish that would otherwise be lost. 

[7] 




Collecting spawn from greenback herring. 



Planting Points and Food Supply 

The two chief requirements of young fish are protection and food. They 
need protection from predaceous enemies, freshets, drought and disease. 
In general, for stream-inhabiting species, the headwaters furnish the most 
suitable planting points. Here the larger fish are not apt to be present to 
prey upon the fry. Freshets are not so strongly felt there, and are less 
likely to wash the small fish downstream. Moreover the chances of pollu- 
tion are much less. Care must be taken, on the other hand, not to plant 
the fish in streams or headwaters which may dry up in time of drought. 
For the young of lake fish the most favorable situations are generally 
the shallow waters near shore, or on shoals or reefs. In either case, 
whether dealing with brook fish or lake fish, it is well to discover, if 
possible, the natural spawning beds, and to plant the young in or close 
to such places; for it is reasonable to suppose that each species has come 
to choose for its spawning grounds the places that are most suitable for 
its young to hatch and live in. These situations are likely to be supplied 
with the natural food that the young require. As the fish grow they will 
gradually work their way into the deeper and wider waters inhabited by 
the adults. 

While we have only a meagre knowledge of the food of fish at the earliest 
period of their lives, we know in a very general way what the adults of the 

[8] 




This receiving station for the temporary care of trout fry has a 
capacity of 120,000. 

commoner species feed upon. It is of particular importance, therefore, 
when introducing any species into waters where it has not occurred previ- 
ously, to ascertain whether a suitable supply of its natural food is available. 
The food requirements of various species are stated in the pages that 
follow. 

Fry Versus Fingerlings 

Opinions differ as to the superiority of fry or fingerlings* for stocking 
purposes. The expense of rearing fish to fingerling size, and of transporting 
them at that age, is very considerable. In many hatcheries space is not 
available for keeping fingerlings, and it is therefore necessary to distribute 
a large proportion of the annual product before the fish have advanced 
beyond the fry stage. A very much greater number of fry than of finger- 
lings can be supplied for a given stream. Furthermore, the important 
instinct of self-preservation is undoubtedly developed better and sooner 
in fish that are planted at the earlier age. For these reasons many persons 
consider that the advantages of fry planting outweigh its disadvan- 
tages. They believe that more fish will grow to maturity from several 

*When a fish hatches from the egg, it has a small yolk sac which is filled with nutriment 
and is gradually absorbed. While the sac is still carried, and for a short time thereafter, the 
young fish are called fry. After they reach a length of one and a half or two inches, and 
until they become a year old, they are known as fingerlings. 















■ 




* 






F ' . 



Stream 



)ks cost nothing to build and maintain. 



thousand fry than from a few hundred fingerlings. The hatcheries of all 
of the different states and the United States distribute fry, and their 
experience has demonstrated beyond question that fry planting can be 
made very effective. The prejudice against fry planting can usually be 
traced to improper planting methods, or to unsuitable streams. It should 
not be forgotton that nature herself plants fry exclusively. 



Care During Transportation 

The fry and fingerlings of most species are distributed in spring and early 
summer. The cans containing these young fish are accompanied from the 
hatcheries by a messenger, who cares for them during the railway journey. 
The water in the cans must be kept constantly aerated, so that the fish 
will not suffocate from lack of oxygen. Unless special apparatus is pro- 
vided, this is done by hand, water being dipped up from the top of the can 
and allowed to fall back from a height. Such attention is required at least 
every half hour. The water must also be kept cool, with the use of ice, if 
necessary. The applicant is notified by telegraph on what train the fish 
will be shipped. If he does not meet the train, they cannot be delivered, 
but are carried on by the messenger to the next station where an applicant 
awaits a shipment. 

The same care is required during the journey from the railway station 
to the streams that is given by the messenger on the train. Under no 

[10] 




Rearing pool of the Rome Fish and Game Protective Association. 

circumstances must the fry or fingerlings be kept in the cans" over night 
without attention. It is necessary to take them directly to their destina- 
tion and plant them at once. They should be protected as much as possible 
from jarring while being transported by wagon, to prevent injury to the 
young fish from being thrown against the sides and bottom of the cans. 

Importance of Water Temperature 

Just before actually placing the fish in the water, attention must be 
given to the temperatures of the water in the can and in the stream. If 
this vital point is neglected, the entire planting may be for naught, for a 
difference of only a few degrees between the two waters will kill young 
fish. A twenty-five cent dairy thermometer will show whatever varia- 
tion there is. However small the variation may be, the temperatures 
must be equalized by dipping water from the can into the stream, and from 
the stream into the can, a little at a time. Another method is to stand the 
can in the stream, but this takes much longer. 



Planting 

When the temperature is right, the can may be emptied. The fish may 
be dipped out, or carefully poured from the can. In the latter case, the 
mouth of the can should be held no more than a few inches above the 

[ii] 





Well developed fingerling trout in the Rome Association's Nursery. 

stream, so that the fry will not be jarred by the impact of the water. 
The fish should be spread out as much as possible, some being planted in 
one place, and others a little farther away. No more than 500 fingerlings 
or 2000 fry should be planted per mile in a small stream. The food supply 
will be in danger of exhaustion in overstocked waters. 



Artificial Stream Pools and Side Pools 

One of the very best means that can be adopted for the protection of 
the fry of stream fish is the building of artificial stream pools. These are 
formed by damming up the headwaters of rivulets and little spring creeks. 
A number of dams, built of loose rocks, logs or boards, may be advanta- 
geously placed a short distance apart on the same stream. They not only 
insure a good water supply for the young fish in dry seasons, but also 
prevent them from being swept away by spring freshets. They also largely 
increase the area in which the natural food supply may grow, and over 
which the fish may forage for this food. By remaining in these pools near 
the headwaters, the fry gain security from the larger predaceous fish that 
lurk downstream. After attaining a suitable size, however, they will of 
their own accord seek the lower courses. Probably in most cases the stones 
or other materials for building the dams may be found on the spot. The 
structures need not be more than 12 or 15 inches in height. The tops of 
the dams should be as narrow as possible, and the water should fall over 

[12] 




Exhibit of the Rome Fish and Game Protective Association at the Oneida County fair. 



them in at least one place, in order that such fish as trout may leap over 
the obstruction without difficulty in ascending the stream to spawn in 
the fall. The beaver dams in the Adirondacks make stream pools on a 
large scale, and have greatly improved the trout fishing on the streams 
where they are located. 

Side pools may be formed on large streams either by excavating suitable 
basins near the streams and diverting water through them, or by taking 
advantage of natural hollows and basins. The inlet from the stream and 
the outlet of the side pool should be screened to prevent the entrance of 
fish from the stream, which would prey upon the fry in the side pool. 
These pools, if sufficiently large, will provide enough natural food for a 
considerable number of fry. The fingerlings should be allowed to run 
into the main stream in the fall. On the headwaters of small streams, 
where large fish are not found, pools of this sort, that will require no screen- 
ing, can often be made at small expense, and the fry in them will require no 
attention. Shade can easily be provided on the banks of side pools by the 
planting of willows and black alders. A few large rocks under which the 
little fish can hide, and boards supported from the bottom on stones, and 
weighted down with rocks to prevent floating away, will complete the 
arrangements. 

Receiving and Rearing Stations 

At times it has happened, through the over-production and over-crowd- 
ing of fry in certain hatcheries, that they have been shipped when the 
brooks were still icebound or a spring freshet was in full force. In order to 

[13] 



tide the fish over until the weather conditions become suitable for planting, 
several fish and game associations that do planting on a large scale, includ- 
ing those at Rome, Middleville and Sherburne, and at Bennington, Vt., 
maintain receiving or rearing stations, or both. The receiving stations con- 
sist of a series of wooden or galvanized iron troughs, supplied with an 
abundance of pure running water, and located preferably indoors, where 

they are shielded 

ir^^^^nraa from the strong 

rays of the sun. 
The troughs of a 
receiving station 
should be regula- 
tion hatchery 
troughs, specifica- 
tions for which are 
given in Modern 
Fish Culture, by 
Fred Mather. 
Their good results 
amply justify the 
expenses of con- 
struction and 
operation, which 
are not large. The 
receiving stations, 
while designed 
primarily for emer- 
gency use, may be 
transformed into 
rearing stations to 
accommodate the 
young fish until 
they have reached 
the fingerling size. 
Far better than 
troughs for rearing 




Aeration of the water between station and stream is of 
vital importance. 



purposes are large pools with sand or gravel bottoms and stone, con- 
crete or wooden sides, or sides and bottoms entirely of concrete. Some 
fish culturists do not favor concrete, believing that its cracks harbor 
infection. Wood, properly treated with tar, is very satisfactory. Cypress 
is best, and hemlock is next in order. A high fence of chicken wire, with 
chicken wire covering the top, will sometimes be necessary to keep out 
herons and kingfishers. Rearing and receiving stations should be supplied 



14 




A dairy thermometer will give an accurate check on the temperature of the 
water in stream and can. 



with an abundance of pure, cold, running water. Spring water is best, 
since it is not subject to pollution and flood variation. While the side 
pools described above can sometimes be made into satisfactory rearing 
stations for large numbers of fish, they are ordinarily not adapted to the 
crowding and forcing of a rearing station. 

The station should be so located that regular feeding and attention can 
be given to the fish. Associations which are now operating rearing stations 
find it convenient to engage someone living nearby as caretaker. Volunteer 
labor for this purpose is ordinarily not to be advised, as the large number of 
fish that must be reared in such pools to justify their installation makes 
regular and responsible attention of much importance. The fish that are 
confined in rearing stations are subject to any of the diseases and accidents 
that are liable to occur among hatchery reared fish, and they should 
accordingly be closely watched. The more the caretaker knows of or can 
learn about fish culture, the more successful will be the work. In fact, 
successful fish culture is largely a matter of personal efficiency. At the 
first outbreak of anything that is not understood, an expert should be 
consulted. The Commission will be glad to render every possible assistance 
in this direction. Caretakers can learn much by visiting rearing stations 
already in operation by a number of associations. A trip to a State 
hatchery, some one of which is easily accessible from any part of the 

[15] 




Any difference in temperature between stream and can must be 
gradually equalized. 

State, is particularly advisable prior to the installation of a rearing 
station. 

While rearing stations are not to be lightly undertaken, the results 
that they bring in better fishing well justify the labor and expense that 
they involve. 

Pollution 

All those who are interested in the conservation of the aquatic life of 
the State realize that pollution of our watercourses must be kept at a 
minimum. There is no more precious gift of Nature than pure water. 
Yet many of our finest streams, and even some of the lakes, have become 
practically worthless as fishing waters through the agency of pollution. 
City sewage, as well as refuse from pulp and lumber mills, dye works, 
gas plants, dairy plants, metal factories, and various other manufacturing 
establishments, have long since spoiled the larger rivers. Even small 
trout streams are not safe from the drainage of cesspools, barnyards, 
outhouses, kitchen sinks, and garbage heaps. Pollution is an important 
contributory cause of diseases among fish, so that those which are not 
driven away at first remain merely to succumb eventually to poison and 
infection. All waters in which fishing is desired must have their purity 
safeguarded. It is no exaggeration to say that the greatest menace to 
fish culture in New York State today is pollution of the waters. 

[16] 




Planting fry with a dipper to avoid the shock of pouring. 



Lampreys 

The lake lamprey (Petromyzon marinus unicolor) is a parasitic creature 
that causes each year a tremendous loss to the inland fisheries of the State. 
It is abundant in Ontario, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca lakes, and doubt- 
less in other lakes of the central part of the State. 

The lamprey bears a marked resemblance to an eel, and is commonly 
called the " lamper eel." It is not at all closely related to the common 
eel, however, for the latter is a true fish; whereas the lamprey is scarcely 
a fish at all, being classed systematically with some of the very lowest 
forms of fishlike vertebrates. It is fitted by nature with a diabolical 
apparatus for preying upon valuable food and game fishes. Its mouth 
consists of a large, circular sucking disc, armed with horny teeth. By 
means of this sucking disc it attaches itself to some fish so firmly that it 
cannot be shaken ofF. The tongue also is strongly toothed, and works 
as a pistonlike rasp for boring through the skin and scales on the side of 
the fish. The victim's blood is then sucked out, so that it either dies from 
the attack or is left in such enfeebled condition that it is unfit for food 
and probably incapable of spawning. At times windrows of dead fish, 
showing wounds made by lampreys, have been cast up on the shores of 
Oneida Lake. 

A full knowledge of the life history of any species of animal is essential 
to its economic control. Fortunately the life history of the lake lamprey is 

[171 







[i8] 



fairly well known, and a single very weak point in it has been found, by 
means of which steps may be taken for its control. In the deep waters 
of the lakes, where this parasite spends practically all of its adult life, 
it is fairly safe from any enemy. But in late May and early June it ascends 
the tributary streams to its spawning beds on sandy and gravelly shallows, 
usually just above riffles. There it can be captured very easily with a 
dip-net or spear, or even by hand. Like some members of the salmon 
family, the adult lampreys die shortly after spawning. It is thus essential 
to capture them as early as possible in the spawning season, before they 
have finished depositing their eggs. The same spawning beds are resorted 
to year after year, and when once located, it is a comparatively simple 
matter to visit them during two or three weeks each season for the purpose 
of cleaning out the lampreys. 

Young lampreys in the larval state are an important bait for hook and 
line fishing. After hatching, they remain burrowed in the sand and mud 
of the stream beds for four years before reaching maturity. In order to 
obtain them, sand is shoveled up from the stream and thrown on the bank 
so that the water may drain away. As soon as the sand is pretty well 
drained, any larvae present will wriggle out to the surface, where they 
can be seen. The fisherman may thus not only secure an excellent bait, 
but also help materially in reducing the numbers of this serious pest. 

A closely related form is the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), which 
has similar destructive habits, and ascends coastwise streams in the spring 
for spawning purposes. It is common in the Delaware, the Susquehanna, 
and their tributaries, and on Long Island is found in Swan River, Nis- 
sequogue River, and doubtless other streams. 

From every economic standpoint it would be advantageous to rid our 
waters entirely of lampreys. Associations and individuals interested in 
good fishing are urged to help in the work of limiting their number. All 
cooperation possible will be given by the Commission to this end. 

Legal Sizes for Catching 

Inquiries indicate that there are many persons who do not understand 
the exact significance and necessity of the six-inch law for brook trout, 
and of similar regulations regarding the size at which other species may be 
taken. Until an individual of a given species has reached the prescribed 
size, it has never spawned; and if all the individuals were caught before 
they had arrived at the spawning age, it is perfectly plain that the complete 
extermination of the species would be a matter of only a short time. It 
is therefore to the interest of every angler to see that under-sized fish are 
not destroyed. Every food and game fish should have a chance to spawn 
at least once before being taken. 

[i9l 



Protection 

The strongest ally of stocking is protection. Without the latter, the 
former will be quickly nullified. The game protective force is constantly 
on duty to prevent illegal fishing in all of its many forms, and accomplishes 
results which place it in the front rank among similar organizations in 
this country. It should be understood, however, that fully effective 
protection is dependent upon public cooperation. The force of any law is 
determined largely by the sentiment of the community to which it applies, 
and in a community which does not countenance game law violations, the 
violations are relatively few. It accordingly behooves everyone interested 
in better fishing to foster the development of a clean and sportsmanlike 
spirit regarding the observance of the fishing laws. Without such moral 
support and active cooperation on the part of sportsmen, the 450 square 
miles which every protector must police on the average cannot be thor- 
oughly supervised. It should be realized by those who are doing the 
stocking that it is quite as important to effectively protect their fish after 
they are in the water as to place them there properly at the start. 

DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING VARIOUS SPECIES 

Brook Trout; Speckled Trout (Salvelinns fontinalis) 
The brook trout, probably the most highly prized of native fresh-water 
game fishes, inhabits cold, clear streams. Its distribution has been wonder- 
fully extended by artificial propagation, both in this country and abroad. 
Its food consists of aquatic insects and their larvae, and crustaceans, 
mollusks, worms and fish of small size. 

The streams to be stocked should not rise above 68 degrees in temperature 
during the summer. Brook trout will not live and thrive in warmer waters. 
It has been found in various parts of the State that certain streams formerly 
abounding in brook trout will no longer support this species, and in many 
cases it is quite evident that this is directly due to the cutting off" of the 
forests and the consequent increase in temperature of the waters through 
exposure to the sun. The banks of the streams should be grown with trees 
or tall shrubs in order to provide the necessary shade and coolness. Where 
the vegetation has been removed, black alder or quick-growing willows may 
be advantageously planted along the banks. It is useless to place trout 
in waters made impure with sewage, mill, dairy or other refuse, for they are 
peculiarly sensitive to pollution and will not remain in such waters. 

The best places for planting are the rivulets and spring feeders, tributary 
to the larger streams, into which the fish will work their way as they grow. 
Make sure that the brooks are not such as will dry up or become stagnant 
during the summer. Rearing pools on the streams, and side pools, which 
have been described in the preceding pages, are particularly advantageous 

for brook trout. 

[20] 



The fry are ready for distribution in March or April; the fingerlings 
from May to July. The latter should not be planted in quite such small 
streamlets as the fry. 

Rainbow Trout (Salmo irideus) 

This is a native of the mountain streams of the Pacific coast, where it 
occasionally descends to the lower stretches of the rivers and even passes 
out to sea. It has been extensively introduced in the East, and is fairly 
established in New York. Its flesh is much esteemed, and its game qualities 
are scarcely inferior to the brook trout's. Its food as well as its habitat 
is similar to that of the latter species, and both fishes will live in harmony 
in the same waters. The rainbow, however, seems to show a tendency to 
work downstream, passing over dams and falls that it cannot ascend 
again, thus abandoning the headwaters. It has been introduced with great 
success into lakes that are landlocked, so that it cannot escape. Such 
lakes should have small tributary streams up which the rainbow can run 
to spawn. The same planting methods may be employed for either species. 

Since the rainbow spawns somewhat later than the brook trout, the fry 
are not ready for shipment till May or June. The fingerlings are available 
from July to September. 

Brown Trout (Salmo far io) 

The brown trout is a native of Europe, and has become acclimatized in 
in many parts of the United States. It is very hardy, and ranks as one of 
the finest game fishes. It lives in clear, cold, rapid streams. Its food 
habits are in general similar to those of the two preceding species, but 
since this fish grows to a much larger size and preys upon the others, it 
should never be introduced into waters already supplied with native 
trout. It withstands a higher summer temperature than the brook trout, 
and has replaced that species in certain waters where the surrounding 
forests have been largely cleared away. 

The fry are shipped in March or April, the fingerlings from May to July. 
Plant as in the case of the brook trout. 

Lake Trout (Cristivomer namaycush) 
This is one of the largest and most beautiful of native species of the 

salmon family. It thrives only in cold, deep lakes. It is an omnivorous 

and ravenous feeder, subsisting chiefly upon ciscoes or lake herrings and 

other small fish. 

The fry are ready for distribution in March or April; the fingerlings 

from May to July. Plant on rocky shoals or reefs in lakes, very near to 

deep water. 

Land-locked Salmon (Salmo salar sebago) 
Only a small number of eggs of this species are obtainable, through the 

United States Bureau of Fisheries, and all the fry are planted by the 

Commission in Lake George. 

[21] 



Common Whitefish {Coregonus clapeaformis) 
The common whitefish, probably the most esteemed of all fresh-water 
food fishes, is found in Lake Ontario, some of the Adirondack lakes, 
Otsego lake, and several other lakes in the central and western parts of 
the State. Its range extends through the Great Lakes region and a large 
part of Canada. It is an inhabitant of cold, deep water, coming to the 
shallower parts to spawn. It may be taken with hook and line, but is 
usually caught in nets. The food of the adults consists largely of crusta- 
ceans, and also of mollusks, insect larvae, and small fish; that of the fry 
and young fish is almost wholly small crustaceans. 

The fry are distributed in March and April, and should be planted in 
the shoal parts of lakes. 

Round Whitefish or Frostfish {Coregonus quadr {lateralis) Lake Erie Her- 
ring (Leucichthys artedi) Ontario or Greenback Herring {Leucichthys 
ontariensis) Tullibee {Leucichthys tullibee) 

These small relatives of the common whitefish are excellent for the table, 
and also have great value as food for the lake trout. The frostfish is found 
in lakes of the Adirondack region, the Lake Erie herring chiefly in Lake 
Erie, the greenback herring in Lake Ontario and Cayuga lake, and the 
tullibee in Oneida lake. Their food habits are in general similar to those 
of the common whitefish. 

The fry are ready for distribution in March and April, and are usually 
planted by the Commission in the waters from which the eggs were 
collected. 

Pike-Perch; Wall-Eyed Pike {Stizostedion vitreum) 

The pike-perch is one of the most valuable of fresh-water fish for both 
its food and its game qualities. It prefers lakes and rivers with clear water, 
and with rock, gravel, sand, or hard-clay bottom. It feeds upon minnows, 
crawfish, and insects and their larva;. 

The fry are distributed in May, within a few days after hatching. They 
may be planted on sandy or rocky shoals in lakes and their tributaries. 

Yellow Perch {Perca flavescens) 

The yellow perch is one of the commonest and best known of our fresh- 
water species. It is a gamy fish, and its flesh is of fair quality. It is found 
in lakes, ponds, and rivers. It feeds upon small fishes, crustaceans, and 
other animal matter. 

Fry are available in May and June; fingerlings from September to 
November. Plant in shallow parts of the waters to be stocked. 

Small-Mouthed Black Bass {Micropterus dolomieu) 
This gamy and important fish thrives in pure, rapid, fairly clear 
streams, and also in lakes and ponds. The food of the adult consists of 

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crawfish, frogs, insects and their larvae, minnows, worms, and mussels; 
of the young, crustaceans, insects, and insect larvae. 

The black bass is not propagated artificially, but the adults are placed 
in hatchery ponds, where they spawn naturally. Fingerlings are available 
for distribution in September, and may be planted in the shallow parts 
of the waters to be stocked. The Conservation Law, however, forbids 
introduction of bass into natural trout waters. 

Calico Bass; Strawberry Bass (Pomoxis sparoides) 

This small bass occurs in streams as well as in lakes and ponds, and is 
a very good fish. Its average weight is about one pound. Its food 
consists of worms, small crustaceans, and fishes. 

Fingerlings are available at the same time, and may be planted in the 
same way as black bass. 

Maskalonge {Lucius ohiensis) 

This largest representative of the pike family has an average weight of 
25 or 30 pounds. As a game fish it has few superiors, and its flesh is of 
very good quality. It is propagated only at the Chautauqua Station, 
and the only waters in which it should be placed are those belonging to 
the Ohio basin. Its food consists mainly of smaller fishes, and its voracity 
is notorious. 

Young fishes may be planted in May and June near the shores of lakes. 

Smelt; Ice-fish (Osmerus mordax) 

This marine species ascends rivers to spawn, and it has been introduced 
or land-locked in Lake Champlain and other lakes of the State. It is in 
great demand as a table fish, and is also useful in furnishing food for land- 
locked salmon and lake trout. 

The eggs are collected in March by the Long Island Station, and may 
be shipped in the eyed stage a short time thereafter. They should be 
planted in small, rocky streams tributary to the lake that it is desired to 
stock. Since the eggs are adhesive, they become attached to stones, 
sticks, and other objects, where they remain until hatched. 

Shad (Alosa sapidissima) Alewife or River Herring (Pomolobus pseudo- 

harengus) 
These two species are hatched at the Linlithgo Station, and are planted 
by the Commission in the Hudson river only. 

Sea Bass; Blackfish (Centropristes striatus) Scup; Porgy (Stenotomus 

chrysops) Tomcod (Micro gad us tomcod) Flatfish; Winter Flounder 

(Pseudopleuronectes americanus) Lobster (Homarus americanus) Blue 

Crab (Callinectes sapidus) 

These species are propagated by the Long Island Station. They are 

intended only for the marine waters of Long Island, and are planted by 

the Commission. 

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Points to Remember 

1. Make plans for stocking during the previous season. 

2. Fill out application blanks for fry or fingerlings in due time. Those 

for trout must reach the Commission before Fehruary ist; for other 
species, before April ist. 

3. The construction of stream pools and side pools will save many young 

fish. 

4. Ascertain, if possible, the natural food supply available for the fish 

in the waters to be stocked, to make sure of their growth after 
planting. 

5. Keep the streams free from pollution if good fishing is desired. 

6. Do not fail to meet the shipment at the train; otherwise it cannot be 

delivered. 

7. Keep the cans of fish from unnecessary shock and jar, and aerate the 

water frequently. 

8. Equalize the temperature of the water in the can and in the stream as 

the final step before planting. 

9. Spread the fish out well in planting. 

10. The construction of a receiving station and of a nursery for rearing 

fry to fingerlings will make results more certain. 

11. Illegal fishing will nullify the best stocking that can be done. Every- 

one can help in putting this down. 

12. Efficiency and eternal vigilance are the price of fish. 

Books on Fishing and Fish Culture 

1. Manual of Fish Culture, Revised Edition, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. 

Washington, D. C. 1906. 

2. The Farm Fishpond, by George C. Embody. The Cornell Reading- 

Course, Vol. IV, No. 94, Ithaca, N. Y. 191 5. 

3. American Food and Game Fishes, by David Starr Jordan and Barton 

Warren Evermann. Doubleday, Page & Co., New York. 1902. 

4. Modern Fish Culture, by Fred Mather. Forest and Stream Publishing 

Co., New York. 1900. 

5. Fish Culture, by William E. Meehan. Sturgis & Walton Co., New 

York. 1913. 

6. The Potamogetons in Their Relation to Pond Culture, by Emmeline 

Moore. U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. 191 5. 

7. The Book of Fish and Fishing, by Louis Rhead. Charles Scribner's 

Sons, New York. 

8. Domesticated Trout, by Livingston Stone. Osgood, Boston. 1872. 

9. Aquatic Plants in Pond Culture, by John W.Titcomb. U. S. Bureau 

of Fisheries. 1909. 

10. The Home Aquarium, by Eugene Smith. E. P. Dutton & Co., 

New York. 

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